[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF UNITED AUTO WORKERS LOCAL 1050

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 31, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
work of United Auto Workers Local 1050 as the chapter enters its 
fiftieth year in defending the rights of working men and women. 
Dedicated to the cause of forging an equitable partnership between 
labor and management, Local 1050 has played a formidable role in 
Cleveland's labor history and promises only to grow in influence as 
industry continues to expand.
  Receiving its charter in 1948, Local Chapter 1050 has benefited from 
the far reaching vision of twelve presidents, beginning with the 
election of Fred Barbeck. Today, Don Slaughter continues Local 1050's 
tradition of strong leadership. The contributions of Mr. Barbeck and 
Mr. Slaughter, and all of those that have served Local 1050 so capably, 
demand respect. The United Auto Workers was, at its brave beginnings, a 
social movement, an institution that derived its energy from the 
mistreatment of the working class. The UAW undertook with courage the 
daunting task of providing representation to those who had no voice, 
refusing to yield in the face of injustice. It was men such as Fred 
Barbeck and Don Slaguther who led this fight. It was workers like the 
men and women of Local 1050 who had the courage to follow. All of the 
men and women at every level of Local 1050 share in the United Auto 
Worker's proud legacy.
  Today, Local 1050 boasts a membership of 1,146 workers. With the 
recent addition of two New Auto Wheel Plants, membership in Local 1050 
promises only to grow. Let us hope that, under the leadership of Mr. 
Slaughter, these newfound numbers will provide Local 1050 with the 
strength to effect greater change in the interests of its members.
  My fellow colleagues, let us congratulate Local 1050 on the fiftieth 
anniversary of its charter. Let us hope that, with a sense of their own 
proud past, they will continue to show courage in protecting those who 
do not have a voice.

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